Tips for staying safe in the sun

Cover up or slather on the sunscreen to protect skin from the sun, even on cloudy says, advise experts.

(HealthDay)—The Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and that means it's time to remind you about sun safety to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Ideally, when you're outside, you should wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says.

If it's just too hot to cover up completely, make sure all exposed skin gets a generous application of a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both ultraviolet A and B rays.

Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after you swim or sweat.

Stick to the shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when they sun's rays are strongest, the AAD advised.

If you do get a sunburn, taking cool baths or showers can help relieve the pain. After getting out of the tub or shower, gently pat yourself dry, but leave some water on your skin. Next, apply a moisturizer to help trap the moisture in your skin. Use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy.

If you have a particularly nasty sunburn, you might want to use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Never use "-caine" products (such as benzocaine), because they can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction, the AAD said.

Aspirin or ibuprofen can help reduce swelling, redness and discomfort caused by a sunburn. It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water. If you skin develops blisters, don't break them. They help your skin heal and prevent infection.

As families prepare to escape the winter weather for somewhere warmer this spring break, they should exercise caution when exposing their skin to the sun after a long winter indoors. Loyola University Health System (LUHS) ...

(Medical Xpress) -- With summer in full swing and everyone heading outdoors, it is important to know the ins and outs of keeping your skin healthy and protected from the sun. Applying sunscreen should ...

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